UP temples reverberate with 'Har Har Mahadev' as devotees throng shrines on Sawan Monday

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh witnessed an outpouring of devotion as Shiva temples resounded with the sacred chant of Har Har Mahadev during the second Monday of the holy month of Sawan. Thousands of devotees and kanwariyas flocked to the shrines to participate in religious rituals and offerings. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath initiated the festivities by performing Rudrabhishek and a havan at the Gorakhnath temple, followed by prayers for the well-being of the world and prosperity for all citizens.

Devotees from across western Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj commenced their journey to temples early in the morning, with throngs continuing well into the evening. Kanwariyas, carrying Ganga water in pots, walked towards their respective destinations while chanting "Bol Bam". At the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, devotees had gathered since Sunday night, with kanwariyas taking a holy dip in the Ganga before proceeding to the temple in orderly queues.

Temple premises across the state were filled with the sounds of bells, drums, and chants as devotees offered traditional milk, curd, honey, bel leaves, and other items to Lord Shiva. In Prayagraj, devotees congregated at major Shiva temples such as Mankameshwar after performing a dip at the Sangam. Kanwariyas adorned in saffron, carrying decorated kanwars, were seen chanting "Jai Bholenath" as they joined the throng.

In Ayodhya, large crowds amassed at various temples, including Nageshwarnath, Kshireswarnath, Panchmukhi Mahadev, and Jharkhandeshwarnath. Many devotees visited the Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanumangarhi areas after bathing in the Saryu. The Kanwar pilgrimage continued unabated, with devotees traveling on foot, bicycles, and decorated vehicles.

Local authorities and voluntary organizations set up rest camps, drinking-water points, and medical facilities along the routes, while several locations witnessed flower showers to welcome the kanwariyas.